The U.S.-based independent research organisation Climate Central said this week that temperatures could go up 4C and global sea levels could rise by 4.3 metres by the end of this century.

Which isn’t ideal.

But at least in Austria, things are looking good. The largest of the country’s nine states has announced that 100 per cent of all its generated electricity now comes from renewable sources.

Erwin Proell, the premier of Lower Austria, said at a news conference that heavy investment in energy efficiency has started to pay off.

‘We have invested heavily to boost energy efficiency and to expand renewables,’ he said.

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‘Since 2002 we have invested €2.8billion (£1.98billion) in eco-electricity, from solar parks to renewing (hydroelectric) stations on the Danube.’

Those hydroelectric stations are responsible for 63 per cent of Lower Saxony’s electricity. Wind energy produces about 26 per cent and biomass and solar generate 9 and 2 per cent respectively.

Another happy consequence of Austria’s investment is the creation of 38,000 jobs in the green industry. Lower Saxony officials anticipate 50,000 positions by 2030.

Austria, 75 per cent of which is now powered by green energy, is the European leader in renewable power. Sweden, Portugal, Latvia and Denmark make up the top five.

As of 2013, the UK was 25th of the 27 EU Member States for renewable contribution.

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